Second Looks?

[bcl2]

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What do you think, do them or don't do them? Has anyone gotten a feeling on interviews whether to do them or not?

 

[karlranck]

U of Chicago's chief recommended coming back for a second look -- mostly to get a feel for the program and not for any potential impact on their rank order...he said that the rank list was finalized in the afternoon after the interviews.

I'm not sure if this is how it is done at most places but I wouldn't be surprised. In any case, the list is never final until it is submitted so who knows...If I really like a program, I'm going to come back for a second look regardless.

 

[mikedc813]

Dr. Regine at Maryland briefly said that a second look will make me more competitive although the residents later said that it wouldn't make a difference either way. Not sure what to think. I really like their program.

 

[deleted4401]

If the chairman at a specific program says it makes you more competitive, I'd take his word for it 🙂 I really liked Dr. R, he was great as a visiting prof. I always thought second looks seemed like navel-gazing, but who knows?

-S

 

[CNphair]

I think it is probably program dependent...Loyola makes their rank list within a few days of the last interview. So, a second look would probably be of little to no help.

If you are seriously considering a second look, I would feel out the residents/program director of that program. You may be able to gage their overall enthusiasm (or lack there of).

 

[stephew]

Regine is a great guy. Agree- if a chairman tells you its worth it, you show up, even if its not.

 

[Gfunk6]

Regine is a great guy. Agree- if a chairman tells you its worth it, you show up, even if its not.

Is it just me or does it seem totally ridiculous for a chairman to advocate a second look on the grounds that it will improve your position on the rank list?

Seriously, I think your $500 airline ticket would be better spent bribing the faculty than seeing everything again. You really need to rotate through a department to get a "feel" for it. One extra day is not going to make any difference.

Anyway, that's my two cents . . .🙂

 

[napoleondynamite]

I did a second look at a program that was interviewing almost 40 for 1 position. I was very interested in the program and felt that by returning, perhaps I'd stand out from the crowd. At the time, I got a good vibe about it and I felt like it was going to make a difference. In the end, I'm not sure it changed the outcome anymore than just expressing strong interest to the PD would have done via email/phone, etc.

 

[Gfunk6]

I was very interested in the program and felt that by returning, perhaps I'd stand out from the crowd. At the time, I got a good vibe about it and I felt like it was going to make a difference.

Right on. I think, in general, second looks are more about . . ."Hey! I paid money to come visit you again that means I'm serious!" And less about . . . "I really want to know more about your program so I came back for another look."

I absolutely understand the tremendous pressure applicants are under nowadays. Which is why it makes sense why they would want to take advantage of any percieved edge over the competition.

What I don't condone is a blatant attempt to foster paranoia and increase anxiety levels among applicants by someone who should know better.